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Digidata® 1440A
Low-noise Data Acquisition System
User Guide
1-2500-0173 C
August 2010
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This document is provided to customers who have purchased Molecular Devices, Inc.
(“Molecular Devices”) equipment, software, reagents, and consumables to use in the
operation of such Molecular Devices equipment, software, reagents, and
consumables. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of this
document, in whole or any part, is strictly prohibited, except as Molecular Devices
may authorize in writing.
Software that may be described in this document is furnished under a license
agreement. It is against the law to copy, modify, or distribute the software on any
medium, except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. Furthermore, the
license agreement may prohibit the software from being disassembled, reverse
engineered, or decompiled for any purpose.
Portions of this document may make reference to other manufacturers and/or their
products, which may contain parts whose names are registered as trademarks and/or
function as trademarks of their respective owners. Any such usage is intended only
to designate those manufacturers' products as supplied by Molecular Devices for
incorporation into its equipment and does not imply any right and/or license to use
or permit others to use such manufacturers' and/or their product names as
trademarks.
Molecular Devices makes no warranties or representations as to the fitness of this
equipment for any particular purpose and assumes no responsibility or contingent
liability, including indirect or consequential damages, for any use to which the
purchaser may put the equipment described herein, or for any adverse circumstances
arising therefrom.
For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The trademarks mentioned herein are the property of Molecular Devices, Inc. or their
respective owners. These trademarks may not be used in any type of promotion or
advertising without the prior written permission of Molecular Devices, Inc.
Product manufactured by Molecular Devices, Inc.
1311 Orleans Drive, Sunnyvale, California, United States of America 94089.
Molecular Devices, Inc. is ISO 9001 registered.
© 2010 Molecular Devices, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the USA.
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Contents
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction to the Digidata® 1440A . . . .
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum Computer Requirements . . . . . .
Recommended Computer System . . . . . .
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Chapter 2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 3 Interface Description
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . .
Start, Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telegraph Inputs . . . . . . . . . . .
USB 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . .
DC-Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 4 Specifications
Analog Inputs . . . . . . .
Analog Outputs . . . . . .
Digital Inputs . . . . . . .
Digital Outputs . . . . . .
Telegraph Inputs . . . . .
DC Power . . . . . . . . . .
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Contents
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Functional Checkout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Step 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Step 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Step 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Step 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grounding and Minimizing Noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . .
Isolating the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power light on the front panel is off . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ready light on the front panel flashes continually
during operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems with analog or digital outputs . . . . . . . . . .
Problems with analog or digital inputs . . . . . . . . . . .
Screen shows a straight line instead of the input
signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Screen shows a noisy signal that is a different shape
than expected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noise is introduced when the data is digitized . . . . .
Digitizer does not work properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data throughput problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contacting Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
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1
Introduction
Introduction to the Digidata® 1440A
The Digidata® 1440A digitizer is a high-resolution, low-noise digitizer
intended for precision scientific applications. It is particularly designed
for electrophysiology experiments, to send and receive signals from
microelectrode amplifiers, and to interact with peripheral instruments
such as solution changers and stimulators.
The Digidata 1440A digitizer digitizes its 16 independent analog input
channels at up to 250 kHz each, and has four independent 16-bit
analog outputs. There are eight digital output lines, as well as Tag and
Start digital inputs.
The Digidata 1440A digitizer communicates with the host computer
using USB 2.0.
The Digidata 1440A digitizer is a plug-and-play device, so it is
automatically recognized by Windows. The Digidata 1440A digitizer is
supported on Windows systems by AxoScope 10 and by pCLAMP’s
Clampex 10. AxoScope is an easy-to-use, full-featured data acquisition
program for Windows that is included with the Digidata 1440A digitizer.
Previous Digidata models multiplexed their analog inputs, so as analog
input channels were added, the maximum per channel sampling rate
decreased. However, the Digidata 1440A digitizer does not have this
limitation, as all 16 analog input channels can be acquired
simultaneously at the maximum 250 kHz sampling rate through a highspeed USB 2.0 port.
The Digidata 1440A digitizer is contained within a rack-mount case, but
it also has adjustable bayonet feet for use on a desktop.
Components
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Digidata 1440A interface
External power supply and power cord
USB 2.0 PCI card
USB 2.0 cable
CD-ROM with AxoScope 10 for Windows
Printed manual
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Introduction
Minimum Computer Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
IBM PC-compatible computer with a 1 GHz CPU
Windows 2000 (PC)
256 MB RAM
500 MB hard disk
800 × 600 display system (small fonts)
PCI slot
Recommended Computer System
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•
•
•
•
•
IBM PC-compatible computer with a 2 GHz CPU (or faster)
Windows XP Pro or Vista (32-bit versions only)
512 MB RAM (or more)
2 GB hard disk (or more)
1024 × 768 display system (large or small fonts)
High-speed built-in USB 2.0 port
Programming
The Digidata 1440A digitizer is supplied with the AxoScope 10 turnkey
software for continuous data acquisition. No programming is required
for use with this program, or with the pCLAMP’s 10 data acquisition
software.
For third-party programming of the digitizer, contact Molecular Devices
Technical Support regarding the availability of a Digidata 1440A Test
Bed.
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Installation
2
Instructions
Note: This installation procedure will not uninstall or disable previously
installed hardware or software items on a Windows system, such as a
Digidata® 1200 or 1320 series digitizer running with earlier versions of
AxoScope or pCLAMP. If you will no longer be running any of these
items, uninstall them from your system before you begin this
installation procedure.
1. Install the AxoScope 10 or pCLAMP 10 software, which includes
the Digidata 1440A drivers. An AxoScope 10 CD is included for
Windows systems. However, if you have purchased the pCLAMP
10 software, install that instead of AxoScope 10.
 Insert the AxoScope 10 or pCLAMP 10 CD-ROM into the CDROM drive.
 The setup dialog is displayed automatically. If it does not,
double-click on the My Computer icon on the Windows
desktop. Double-click on the icon for your CD-ROM drive.
The installation menu appears.
 Install AxoScope or pCLAMP.
2. If your computer does not have a USB 2.0 port, install a USB 2.0
card into your computer.
3. If you do not know if you have USB 2.0 ports on your Windows
system, do the following to check:
 Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
 Go to the Hardware tab and select Device Manager.
 Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers tree.
 If you do not have an entry for USB 2, then look for Enhanced
PCI to USB Host Controller. “Enhanced” is a key word
indicating a USB 2.0 controller.
4. Connect the Digidata 1440A digitizer’s power cord to an AC
outlet, and then to the supplied external power supply unit. With
the digitizer’s front panel power switch in the “off” position (o),
connect the external power supply to the digitizer’s DC-POWER
input. Now attach the USB 2 cable to a USB 2.0 port in your
computer, and then to the digitizer.
5. Turn on the Digidata 1440A digitizer.
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Installation
6. Windows will find the New Hardware and install it—there is no
need to search for external drivers.
7. Configure the digitizer in your software application. For
AxoScope or pCLAMP:
 Run AxoScope or Clampex by double-clicking on the icon on
the Windows desktop.
 Open the Configure > Digitizer dialog box and select the
Change button.

In the Change Digitizer dialog box select Digidata 1440 Series
from the Digitizer Type list.
Press the Scan button to detect the digitizer. The
Configuration field changes from Not present to Available and
the OK button is enabled.
 Click OK to exit this dialog, and click OK again to exit the
Digitizer dialog.
8. The Digidata 1440A digitizer is now ready to perform
experiments.

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Interface Description
3
Front Panel
There is a single rocker-style On/Off switch.
There are two indicator lights: POWER and READY. When the digitizer is
powered on, the green POWER light is continuously on. When the
digitizer is recognized by the software and ready for use, the yellow
READY light is continuously on.
The front panel connectors are all BNCs.
Figure 3-1 Front panel of the Digidata® 1440A digitizer.
Analog Inputs
There are sixteen 16-bit single-ended analog input channels. The BNC
shields for the Analog Inputs are connected to the Analog ground. All of
these channels can be used simultaneously without any reduction in
each channel’s throughput. These input channels are typically used to
digitize biological signals.
Analog Outputs
The front panel has four 16-bit analog output channels. Each channel
has an operational amplifier to buffer the output signal of the D/A
converter. The four analog output channels can be simultaneously used
for waveform generation.
Digital Outputs
Digital Outputs 0–7 are on the front panel of the Digidata® 1440A.
These output levels are set to high (+5 V) or low (0 V). They can be
used to trigger a wide variety of external devices.
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Interface Description
Start, Tag
START and TAG are digital input triggers compatible with TTL-level
signals. The START input is used to begin data acquisition via an
external trigger source. The TAG input is used to automatically mark
events (e.g., perfusion ON) within the data.
Scope
The SCOPE output is a digital signal that reflects specific actions in
Clampex and AxoScope, such as the beginning of an acquisition
recording, sweep, event or level. It is useful as an oscilloscope trigger,
or to synchronize data acquisition with other devices.
Rear Panel
There are several connectors on the rear panel of the Digidata 1440A
digitizer: four BNCs, one USB connector, one 25-pin connector, and one
DC-Power input.
Figure 3-2 Rear panel of the Digidata 1440A.
Telegraph Inputs
The Digidata 1440A digitizer has a dedicated 12-bit A/D converter that
provides four telegraph input channels on the rear panel. These
telegraph input channels provide gain, frequency and capacitance
values from manually-controlled amplifiers (e.g., Axopatch 200B).
These inputs are independent of the 16 analog input channels.
Computer-controlled amplifiers (e.g., MultiClamp 700A/B, Axoclamp
900A) use software signals instead of such hard-wired telegraph
signals.
USB 2
There is a single USB 2.0 type B female port on the rear panel for
attaching a USB 2.0 cable to allow connection to the host computer’s
USB 2.0 port.
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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Digital Outputs
A DB 25-pin female connector is provided as an alternative way to
access the software-controlled digital outputs. Note that only digital
outputs 0–7 are supported in existing Molecular Devices software. See
Chapter 4 Specifications on page 13 for pin definitions to make your
own cable.
DC-Power
The DC-POWER connector is for the supplied external power supply,
which provides power via a universal input for voltages of 100 V–240 V
AC, 50–60Hz.
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Interface Description
12
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4
Specifications
Analog Inputs
Table 4-1 Analog Inputs
Input Name
Description
Number of channels
16
Type of channels
single-ended
Resolution
16-bit, 1 in 65536
Sample rates per channel
1 Hz to 250 kHz
Input range
-10.000 V to +10.000 V
Input resistance
1 M
Gain value
1
Digitization noise
< ±1 mV Avg (p-p)
Crosstalk noise
< ±1 mV Avg (p-p)
Analog Outputs
Table 4-2 Analog Outputs
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Output Name
Description
Number of channels
4
Resolution
16-bit
Sample rates per channel
1 Hz to 250 kHz
Output range
–10.000 V to +10.000
V
Output impedance
< 0.1 
Output short circuit to
signal ground
±25 mA
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Specifications
Digital Inputs
Table 4-3 Digital Inputs
Input Name
Description
Input type
TTL compatible
START trigger
rising edge sensitive
TAG trigger
rising edge sensitive
Digital Outputs
Table 4-4 Digital Outputs
Output Name
Description
Number of bits
16 (8 supported in
software)
Output driver
advanced CMOS
(AC) compatible output
current
±4 mA
SCOPE trigger
shared bit
A DB 25-pin female connector is provided with pin assignments as
listed in Table 4-5 Pin Assignments.
Table 4-5 Pin Assignments
14
Pin number
Digital Output
1
0
2
2
3
4
4
6
5
N/C
6
Analog ground
7
Analog ground
8
8
9
10
10
12
11
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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Table 4-5 Pin Assignments (cont’d)
Pin number
Digital Output
12
Analog ground
13
Analog ground
14
1
15
3
16
5
17
7
18
Analog ground
19
Analog ground
20
Analog ground
21
9
22
11
23
13
24
Scope Output (or 15)1
25
Analog ground
1.
Pin 24 is configured to mimic the front panel SCOPE
output, via J213 on the main board with a jumper
connecting pins 2 and 3. For use with third-party
software, pin 24 can be reverted to the hardware’s
16th digital bit (15) by jumpering pins 1 and 2.
Telegraph Inputs
Table 4-6 Telegraph Inputs
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Input Name
Description
Number of channels
4
Resolution
12-bit
Sample rates per channel
40 kHz
Input range
0 V to +10 V
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Specifications
DC Power
DC Power is supplied from an external power supply unit (PSU) with
universal input.
Table 4-7 DC Power
Voltage
Description
Voltage input rating for
1440A
15 VDC, 1.0 A
PSU voltage input
100 V - 240 V AC,
50-60 Hz
PSU voltage output
15 VDC, 2.0 A
PSU voltage output rating 30 W Max
16
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Troubleshooting
5
Functional Checkout
The Functional Checkout procedure provides step-by-step instructions
to verify signals.
Step 1
If you are able to configure the Digidata® 1440A digitizer in the
software, then the digitizer is properly installed in Windows.
To configure the digitizer for AxoScope or Clampex:
1. Go to the Configure > Digitizer menu command.
2. If Digidata 1440 Series is not displayed:
 Click the Change button.
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Troubleshooting

In the Change Digitizer dialog box select Digidata 1440 Series
from the Digitizer Type list.
Press the Scan button to detect the digitizer. The
Configuration field changes from Not present to Available and
the OK button is enabled.
 Click OK to exit this dialog.
3. Press the Configure button.
4. The Configure Digidata 1440 dialog displays the serial number
of the device and the firmware version.
 The serial number should match the number on the barcode
label of the unit.
 The Power-on Holding Levels section is used to set the
voltage on the Analog Out channels at the time that the
Digidata 1440A digitizer is turned on. The initial Digital Out
levels can also be set high or low by clicking on the check
boxes above the numbers corresponding to each digital
output (a check means high, blank means low). Attach an
oscilloscope to each output to verify their level, both prior to
launching the software (AxoScope or Clampex), and after
launching the software.

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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Step 2
Check that you have a USB 2.0 port in your computer.
In Windows 2000 and XP:
1. Right-click on My Computer and select Properties.
2. Go to the Hardware tab and select Device Manager.
3. Expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers tree.
4. If you do not have an entry for USB 2, then look for Enhanced PCI
to USB Host Controller. “Enhanced” is a key word indicating a USB
2.0 controller.
Step 3
Verify analog and digital outputs.
With AxoScope or Clampex:
1.
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Click on the Lab Bench button (or click Configure > Lab Bench)
and select the Output Signals tab. For each of the Digitizer
Channels (e.g., Analog OUT #0), highlight a matching Signal
(e.g., OUT 0), and configure that signal with unity scaling (e.g.,
Scale factor (V/V): 1).
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Troubleshooting
2. Set up a protocol via the Acquire > New Protocol menu command,
and then, on the Mode/Rate tab, select the Gap-free mode.
Then, on the Outputs tab, for each of the Analog OUT Channels,
select the matching signal (e.g., OUT 1) from its list box.
3. Attach the digitizer’s outputs to an oscilloscope or 10-bit DVM
(digital volt meter).
4. For each output signal, use the software’s Real Time Control
panel to change voltage levels. For analog outputs, either use
the spinners, or type a value and press the Enter key. For digital
outputs, click on the box corresponding to the digital bit to be
tested. Verify the output signal levels on the oscilloscope or
DVM.
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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Step 4
Verify analog inputs.
With AxoScope or Clampex:
1.
Click on the Lab Bench button (or click Configure > Lab Bench)
and select the Input Signal tab. For each of the Digitizer Channels
(e.g., Analog IN #0), highlight a matching Signal (e.g., IN 0), and
configure that signal with unity scaling (e.g., Scale factor (V/V):
1).
2.
Click on the Edit Protocol button (or click Acquire > Edit
Protocol) and then, on the Inputs tab, for each of the Analog IN
Channels, select the matching signal (e.g., IN 0) from its list
box.
3. Connect a BNC cable from the analog outputs to the analog
inputs to be tested.
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4.
Click on the Record button (or click Acquire > Record) to
acquire data. For each analog output signal, use the software’s
Real Time Control panel to change voltage levels. Either use the
spinners or type a value and then press the Enter key.
5.
Click on the Last Recording button (or click File > Last
Recording) to open the data file. Verify the input signal levels
using the cursors in the window. To display a subset of the
signals, right-click on the data display area, select Properties,
and go to the Show/Hide tab.
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Troubleshooting
Grounding and Minimizing Noise
To avoid ground-loops, we recommend that you plug in the Digidata
1440A digitizer to the same power strip as the computer. Also, be
aware that each Analog Input BNC on the Digidata 1440A is a singleended input (all BNC shells are connected to signal ground).
When noise in the system occurs, the first step is diagnosis. Take all
instruments out of their racks, and connect to one of them with only
ONE BNC connection. Observe if the hum (50–60 Hz noise) is
eliminated. Also observe if the hum is produced by headstage pickup by
shielding the headstage and watching the magnitude of the hum.
If the hum is eliminated at this step, then connect the second BNC
cable. If hum is now observed, this is probably a ground loop that is
picking up an alternating magnetic field. Next try to eliminate the
source of the alternating magnetic field: a cheap transformer or an
electric motor, such as found in a nearby fan or refrigerator. Try to
rearrange the two BNC cables to determine if their positioning tells you
anything about the source of the alternating field. High frequency
components (20–50 kHz) may also appear if there is a ground loop.
These can originate from the switching power supply of the computer,
or from a monitor, and can be picked up in the analog signal inputs of
the Digidata 1440A digitizer.
If removing the source of the alternating field is not possible, eliminate
the ground loop by constructing one of the connections between the
two instruments without a shield. Make this either with a naked
unshielded wire, or with a BNC cable that has its shielding cut at one
end. Make a break in the shielding away from the interface, near the
connection on the instrument suspected of creating the ground loop.
Additionally, the quality of the AC power should also be checked. In
particular, check for proper grounding of the outlets.
For users of Molecular Devices microelectrode amplifiers, more
information regarding noise reduction procedures can be found in the
manuals for the MultiClamp, Axopatch, and Axoclamp amplifiers.
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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions
This section provides specific troubleshooting advice on possible
problems and their solutions.
Before contacting Molecular Devices Technical Support regarding
problems, please review this section to see if you can address the
problem yourself. For more information, see Contacting Support on
page 26 for faster resolution of your problem.
Isolating the Problem
The first rule in troubleshooting the digitizer or your software is to
isolate the problem.
1. It is best to simplify your software configuration by turning off
all other programs. It might appear that there are no other
programs running in the background, but this might not be the
case. To see if other programs are running in the background, in
Windows, click on an empty place on the desktop and then press
Ctrl+Alt+Del (holding these three keys down at the same time)
and then select Task Manager.
2. On the Applications tab, close all unnecessary programs. Note
that virus checkers and automated Internet accesses can also
affect system performance.
3. Disconnect all external instruments and test the
digitizer/computer combination by itself.
4. Next, swap the unit with a known good unit to help determine
whether the problem is with the digitizer or the computer.
Power light on the front panel is off
•
Check the power supply to make sure that all cables are firmly
attached, as well as the USB 2.0 cable to the computer.
Ready light on the front panel flashes continually
during operation
•
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The Digidata 1440A is in a problem state. Call Technical Support
at Molecular Devices for a Service Request (SR) number before
returning the unit for repairs.
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Troubleshooting
Problems with analog or digital outputs
•
Check the Lab Bench and protocol. Use a voltmeter or
oscilloscope to examine the output signals.
Note: Oscilloscopes can potentially introduce unwanted ground
loops and noise.
Problems with analog or digital inputs
•
Check the Lab Bench and protocol. Connect a known signal
source to an analog input, such as a signal generator, or even
the digitizer’s analog output, if you know it is working properly.
Screen shows a straight line instead of the input
signal
•
•
•
Check if all external connections are properly made.
Swap BNC cables to check BNC cables for continuity problems.
Make sure the USB cable is securely attached to both the
computer and the interface box.
Screen shows a noisy signal that is a different shape
than expected
•
Verify that the acquisition software is not configured for a demo
digitizer (Configure > Digitizer). Demo mode reproduces a
command waveform with added noise, or generates artificial
spike trains.
Noise is introduced when the data is digitized
•
•
•
24
Verify that the acquisition software is not configured for a demo
digitizer (Configure > Digitizer). Demo mode either reproduces a
command waveform with added noise, or generates artificial
spike trains.
If noise is added to the signal on the analog input, make sure
that all cables are routed away from switching power supplies,
power cords, monitors, or any other major sources of noise.
Check for proper ground connections. See Grounding and
Minimizing Noise on page 22 for more information on proper
grounding practices.
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Digidata 1440A Low-noise Data Acquisition System User Guide
Digitizer does not work properly
Digitizer does not work at all, it locks up the computer when doing
certain operations, or it exhibits other strange behavior.
• Double check that you are using a USB 2.0 braided shielded
cable. Improper shielding can lead to USB communication
problems that manifest in a variety of odd behaviors, ranging
from minor to severe.
• Reset the digitizer by turning it off and then back on. Then
reboot the computer.
• For Windows, reset the Windows registry digitizer settings back
to the manufacturer defaults (Start > All Programs > Axon
Laboratory > Reset to Program Defaults).
• Clear relevant registry items one at a time—try items such as
Digitizers, Clampex, AxoScope, pCLAMP 10.0, and Common
Settings. However, note that for application program items, any
customized window settings will be lost.
• Run a check on the computer’s hard disk file structure and RAM.
• Call Technical Support if the problem persists.
Data throughput problems
•
•
•
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If decreasing the number of analog input channels or the
sampling rate improves performance, you likely have a data
throughput problem. Verify that the digitizer is connected to a
high-speed USB 2.0 port on your computer. See Instructions on
page 7. If the digitizer is connected to a USB hub, remove any
other devices connected to the hub.
Try the digitizer on a faster computer. CPU speed is only one
part of the equation—other relevant components include hard
disk speed, RAM speed and front-side bus speed.
To improve data-throughput related acquisition performance
problems in Clampex or AxoScope, try the following:
 In Configure > Lab Book Options, select Never log any events.
 In Configure > Program Options, select Disable screen saver
during data acquisition.
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Troubleshooting
Contacting Support
Check the Support section of the Molecular Devices web site. A webbased “Knowledge Base” is maintained here. It contains productspecific questions and answers to many common issues.
If you still need to contact us, please first gather the information
described in Before you call on page 26 before contacting Technical
Support. This information helps us to more quickly identify possible
problems and known conflicts.
For more information, contact Molecular Devices Technical Support at
1-800-635-5577 (US only); elsewhere, contact your local
representative.
Before you call
1. What is the model and serial number of the digitizer? The serial
number is on a small barcode sticker on the digitizer’s back
panel.
2. What is the computer environment? This information is available
in Windows if you right-click on My Computer, select Properties,
and go to the General tab.
 The brand and model of computer you use (e.g., Dell
Dimension 8300).
 The speed (e.g., 3.2 GHz) of the CPU.
 How much RAM is installed (e.g., 512 MB).
 The specific operating system installed (e.g., Windows XP
Pro SP2).
3. The specific version of the application software running the
digitizer (e.g., Clampex 10.0.0.55).
4. Clampex users: connect Analog Out 0 to Analog In 0. Then run
an Episodic mode protocol with a waveform specified. Do you
see the waveform when you press the View Only button?
5. If you can reproduce a problem by following a series of steps,
please write them down so that we can follow your exact steps.
6. Email us a copy of the protocol(s) and data file(s) that illustrate
your problems—this helps in understanding and/or duplicating
your problem.
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Index
A
Analog Input 9, 13, 22
Analog Output 9, 13
Axoscope 5, 8, 9, 10, 25
C
Clampex 5, 8, 9, 17, 25, 26
D
Digital Output 9, 11, 14
G
Ground 24
Grounding and Minimizing Noise 22
I
Introduction 5
Components 5
Minimum Computer
Requirements 6
Recommended Computer System
6
P
Power Supply 11, 16
S
Specifications 13
T
Technical Support 26
Telegraph Inputs 10
Trigger In 10
Troubleshooting 17, 23
Before You Call 26
Functional Checkout 17
Grounding and Minimizing Noise
22
Installation 7
Step-by-Step Instructions 7
Interface Description 9
Front Panel 9
Rear Panel 10
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Index
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